Five Superfoods That Make Healthy Snacks
When hunger hits throughout the day, reach for a snack that will do more than just relieve the rumbling in your stomach. Nicholas Perricone, M.D., has picked out five superfoods to add to your daily diet and is breaking down why you'll love each one. You can choose some to pack for a day of class, or combine a few to whip up for healthy breakfasts or lunches. The all-over health benefits will give you a doctor's nod of approval, but we can also vouch for them on a taste level. Yes, chocolate made the list!
Photo courtesy of CN Digital Studio1/6Blueberries
"Blueberries increase brain power, restore balance, and improve memory," says Dr. Perricone. "They allow the body a greater ability to release dopamine, an energizing, stimulatory neurotransmitter. Additionally, they're anti-oxidant and vitamin powerhouses, containing important phytochemicals including phenolics, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and ellagic acid. These blueberry phytochemicals can actually cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the areas of brain responsible for learning and memory."
2/6These nutrient-rich nibbles will boost your energy levels, lift your spirits, and give you a burst of brain power.
Photo courtesty of Lindt3/6Dark Chocolate
"Dark chocolate is what we call mood food—it’ll lift your spirits. Chocolate and the cocoa it’s made from is a complex food, containing over 300 compounds and chemicals in each bite. These ert powerful effects on brain chemistry (specifically serotonin, dopamine, and opiate peptides) resulting in a positive mood and euphoric feelings. Chocolate stimulates the release of brain opiates known as endorphins. For optimum health benefits, choose extra dark chocolate—at least 70 to 85% cocoa content."
Lindt Excellence 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar, $4. LindtUSA.com.
Photo courtesy of Walmart4/6Old Fashioned Oatmeal
"Old fashioned (as opposed to instant or quick-cooking) oatmeal, whether steel cut or whole oats, is a delightful way to enjoy the benefits of the complex carbohydrates in this extraordinarily healthful whole grain. It provides sustained energy and also stimulate release of serotonin: a key neurotransmitter that can lift mood and cut carbohydrate cravings."
McCann’s Steel Cut Oatmeal, $6. Walmart.com.
Photo courtesy of My Web Grocer5/6Yogurt
"Teens need healthy bones to support their active lifestyle. Yogurt is a great source of an iron-building glycoprotein known as lactoferrin, a substance that will stimulate new bone growth while preventing breakdown of existing bone tissue. The lactoferrin enhances both the growth and the activity of osteoblasts, or the cells that build bone. Always choose plain yogurt and add your own fruit and nuts as the sugars in sweetened yogurt are counterproductive to the health benefits."
Chobani Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt, $1. MyWebGrocer.com.
Photo courtesy of CVS6/6Sunflower Seeds
"Sunflower seeds are rich in fiber, healthy anti-inflammatory fats, and anti-inflammatory antioxidants. They’re also an excellent source of vitamin E for neutralizing free radicals and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease."
David Sunflower Seeds Original, $2. CVS.com.
